There are some subjects that are so important for life today that you have to
study them:
• English
• Maths
• Science
• A modern foreign language
• Design and technology
• Information and communications technology
• Physical education

Of course you need to choose subjects you enjoy and can do well at, but if you keep the range of subjects balanced, it will leave you more options when you come to decide on courses and jobs in the future.

Your school might expect you to take a few other subjects too — your teachers will let you know which ones. Then there’s religious education (your parents can ask for you not to do this) and sex education, or your school might do personal, social and health education instead, plus citizenship and careers education.

WRL is planned activity that uses work as a context for learning. So, learning ‘through work’, on work experience for example, can help raise your attainment by improving motivation. Learning ‘about work’, through vocational courses, can improve your understanding and knowledge. Learning ‘for work’, through the development of key skills, can improve your transition to adult and working life.

Key Skills should give you the skills that are needed for success in education, training, work and life in general.

There are six Key Skills and they are divided into two groups:
• The main Key Skills areas are: Application of Number, Communication, and Information Technology. These are assesed by the coursework you complete over the length of the course, or by the portfolio of work you have at the end of the course.
• The Wider Key Skills are Problem Solving, Working With Others, and Improving Learning & Performance. These are assessed by coursework and/or a portfolio, but you also have to pass an exam as well.

Key Skills can be made to fit in with other qualifications, so you can do them alongside a 12-week NVQ or while you're taking AS exams or A2/A Levels.

Entry Level qualifications, also known as certificates, are the first level of the national qualifications framework. They are designed for learners not yet ready for GCSE, foundation GNVQ or NVQ level 1 and you can progress later on to GCSEs or NVQs. They have been designed to give students official recognition for their achievements. Getting an Entry Level certificate provides you with a recognised qualification that you can use to further your studies or to get a job. They are available in a wide range of academic, work-based and skills based subjects. There are currently over 100 Entry Level certificates available from English and science to hairdressing and numeracy.

You can achieve Entry Level Certificates at three different levels, broadly in line with National Curriculum levels 1-3. You can take them alongside GCSEs, GNVQs, Vocational GCSEs or NVQs. You are assessed in tasks, which may be written, spoken or practical.

GNVQs are about work, but they don't train you for a specific job. They prepare you for work through studying broad areas - for example, leisure and tourism, or health and social care. They give you experience, knowledge and skills relevant to work, usually through contact with working adults. GNVQs are made up of units, and you gain a certificate for each unit as they complete it.

GNVQs are helpful for those who want a more active, work-based style of study than that offered by GCSEs.

They are available at foundation and intermediate level or as a part award.

Many schools are planning to stop offering some GNVQ courses at KS4 and instead offer GCSEs in vocational subjects. (Check with your school.)

GCSEs are essential qualifications for many jobs and for entry onto further study courses, as well as providing evidence of a good level of general education.

Most schools offer GCSEs as the main way to get your Key Stage 4 qualifications. There are more and more subjects available, including vocational ones and they are designed to give you more choices later in life. Your school might do GCSE short courses that count as half a GCSE.

Short courses
Your school might do GCSE short courses. These are like full GCSEs but cover fewer topics, so they only take half the time to do. You need to do two short courses to make up a full GCSE – and if you do only one, it will count as half a GCSE.
GCSE short courses give you more options – you can take:
• An extra short course on top of the usual number of subjects.
• A short course in RE, ICT or PE instead of a full GCSE, if it fits better with your
other options.
• A GCSE short course in the time usually set for a full GCSE.

So what is Connexions all about? And is it for you?
Connexions is for you if you are aged 13-19 and want advice on getting to where you want to be in life.
Connexions personal advisers can give you information, advice and practical help with all sorts of things, like choosing subjects at school or mapping out your future career options. They can help you with anything which might be affecting you at school, college, work or in your personal or family life.